Every student at Putnam City’s Apollo Elementary School, Hilldale Elementary School and Tulakes Elementary School will be offered free breakfasts and lunches at school this year, regardless of their family’s economic status.
Jeff Edwards, Child Nutrition Director, says this is the 13th year for all students at Apollo Elementary and Hilldale Elementary to be offered free meals and the fifth year for all Tulakes Elementary students to be offered free meals. The decision comes because of the high percentage of students at the three schools who are eligible for free or reduced priced meals.
Some families at the three elementary schools have older children at middle schools or high schools. Families that wish for older brothers and sisters to receive free or reduced-price meals at their schools should complete an application for those students and schools, Edwards says.
The free meal program is financed through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Schools can participate in the program in four-year cycles. Putnam City’s participation will be examined each year to determine if funding covers expenses, Edwards says.